Trend Naija

Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned that the court ruling against the party's leadership could cause serious unrest if it is not handled carefully.

What he said

In comments reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026, Amaechi said the judgment that nullified the party's leadership and the process that produced Atiku Abubakar as presidential candidate could lead to civil war if the dispute is not properly managed. He did not set out in detail how he believed the crisis should be resolved.

The ruling

On Thursday, Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that the national working committee led by former Senate President David Mark was invalid. The judgment also nullified the emergence of former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary, and decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the process that produced Atiku as candidate. The court directed INEC not to recognise decisions taken at the party's national executive committee meeting of 27 July 2025. The suit was filed by Nafiu Gombe, a former deputy national chairman of the party.

Background

The ADC has appealed the judgment and asked INEC not to act on it until the appeal is heard. Atiku has vowed to stay in the race and accused the government of using the courts against the opposition. Amaechi, a former Rivers governor and transport minister, this week also said former President Muhammadu Buhari had promised in writing to back him in 2022.

What happens next

Attention is now on the Court of Appeal and on how INEC responds before the presidential election on 16 January 2027.

Nigerian striker Gift Orban has moved ahead of Victor Osimhen in the race to be top scorer in Turkey's Süper Lig.

The goal

Orban scored his 10th league goal of the season for Amedspor in their 4-3 defeat away to Galatasaray, reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026. After a quiet first half, the former Lyon striker headed home from close range from a cross by substitute Furkan Soyalp. Another Nigerian, Yira Sor, also scored for Amedspor after coming off the bench, but Galatasaray held on to win.

The scoring race

The goal took Orban to 10 goals and five assists in 11 league appearances, one more goal than Osimhen, who has nine goals and three assists in eight league games. Osimhen missed the match after having knee surgery on Saturday to remove a loose body from his left knee, and is expected to be out for at least three weeks.

Background

Orban joined Amedspor on loan in the summer transfer window. He made his name at Belgian club Gent, where he scored freely, before moving to Lyon. Osimhen, the 2023 African Player of the Year, has been out of action since the Champions League win over Stuttgart. Both are Super Eagles strikers, and with Osimhen ruled out of the AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania this month, Orban's form will interest Nigeria's coaching staff.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says two oil tankers caught fire after hitting naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

What Iran said

In a statement carried by Iran's state news agency on Sunday, 8 November 2026, the Guards said one tanker struck a mine in the eastern part of the strait and the other elsewhere in the waterway, while trying to cross using routes not authorised by Tehran. The statement did not name the vessels or give their nationalities, and accused them of violations including switching off their navigation and tracking systems. There was no independent confirmation of the incidents or of any casualties.

Background

Iran has sharply restricted shipping through the strait since a war began in late February, requiring ships to follow routes it has approved. The United States responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports and has helped tankers pass through the waterway, which normally carries about a fifth of the world's oil. Iran has reported several ships catching fire in the strait in recent weeks. The incident comes days after US forces struck an Iranian air defence site on Qeshm Island, an operation President Donald Trump described as minor.

Why it matters

Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz affects global oil supply and prices, which in turn affect Nigeria's oil revenue and the cost of imported fuel.

Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun has responded to criticism over his open support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid.

What happened

The actor had shared videos on social media showing him hosting campaign rallies for the President in different parts of the country, which drew strong criticism from some social media users. In a response reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026, Balogun refused to back down, urging critics to allow people to hold different political views without being attacked.

Background

Balogun is a veteran actor, producer and director in the Yoruba film industry. He is one of several entertainers who have appeared at Tinubu's campaign events in recent weeks, alongside others such as actress Eniola Badmus, who also posted a video this week explaining why she believes the President deserves a second term.

The wider debate

The involvement of entertainers in the 2027 campaigns has divided opinion online. Some argue that public figures have every right to back the candidates they choose, while others say supporting the government amounts to endorsing economic hardship. The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Tony Elumelu has celebrated his eldest daughter, Ogechukwu, after she earned a master's degree from the University of Oxford.

What happened

In a social media post on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Elumelu shared a video from the graduation ceremony, saying his daughter had achieved two major milestones: a Master of Science degree from Oxford and the completion of a law conversion course. The video showed the family celebrating together.

Background

Ogechukwu, also known as Tamara-Marie Oge Elumelu, is the daughter of Tony Elumelu and his wife, Dr Awele Elumelu. She previously graduated with honours from the London School of Economics, where she studied politics and philosophy. Tony Elumelu is the chairman of Heirs Holdings and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, which supports young African entrepreneurs. He made headlines recently with a gift at singer Zlatan Ibile's wedding.

How people reacted

The post drew congratulatory messages from followers and public figures.

Veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, has addressed comments attributed to him about who founded Nigeria's film industry.

What he said

Speaking on the YouTube interview show 'Curiosity Made Me Ask', hosted by content creator Isbae U, in an episode uploaded on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Owoh rejected reports that he had said the Yoruba people started Nollywood rather than the Igbo. He explained that the word 'Nollywood' did not even exist when he and his colleagues first began making films. However, he said Yoruba filmmakers had indeed pioneered the home-video tradition in Nigeria, giving particular credit to the late theatre and film pioneer Hubert Ogunde. When the host jokingly suggested Ogunde might have been Igbo, Owoh insisted that he was Yoruba.

The wider debate

The question of who built Nollywood has been debated for years. In August 2026, the late actor Francis Duru argued that Igbo businesspeople were the real architects of the home-video boom of the 1990s and early 2000s, while accepting that the Yoruba film community had become more dominant through stronger organisation. Owoh was reported at the time to have pointed out that Yoruba filmmakers were active in theatre and film long before the video boom. Duru died in October 2026.

Background

Owoh is one of Nollywood's best-loved comic actors, famous for the 'Osuofia in London' films and the song 'I Go Chop Your Dollar'. 'Curiosity Made Me Ask' is one of Nigeria's most popular celebrity interview shows.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced tougher rules for cryptocurrency and stablecoin businesses, including minimum capital requirements of up to ₦15 billion.

The new requirements

Under the regulations, reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026, issuers of naira-backed stablecoins must have at least ₦10 billion in paid-up capital, while operators offering tokens backed by foreign currencies, such as dollar-pegged stablecoins, will need ₦15 billion. Other virtual asset service providers, including digital wallet, payment, transfer and custody businesses, must have at least ₦1 billion. The CBN said it may demand more capital from larger or riskier operators.

Licensing and foreign firms

The rules make it illegal for individuals or companies to issue, exchange, distribute or facilitate regulated virtual assets in Nigeria without CBN approval. Foreign operators targeting Nigerian customers must incorporate and obtain licences locally, regardless of approvals elsewhere. Companies already licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will face extra capital requirements if they offer services under the CBN's oversight, while digital assets classed as securities will remain under SEC supervision. The rules also set standards for reserve management and consumer protection.

Background

Nigeria has one of the world's largest communities of cryptocurrency users. The CBN banned banks from dealing with crypto firms in 2021 before lifting the restriction in 2023, and the SEC has since moved to register and regulate crypto exchanges. Stablecoins, which are designed to keep a steady value linked to a currency such as the dollar, are widely used by Nigerians for savings and payments.

MultiChoice has shut down its GOtv Stream app, which allowed subscribers to watch selected GOtv channels on phones and tablets.

What happened

A notice on the GOtv Stream website, reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026, confirmed the closure and directed customers back to their television decoders. The app has also been removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store; app-tracking data showed the Android version was removed on 21 October. Before the closure, it offered live channels, catch-up programmes and offline downloads, depending on the subscription package. MultiChoice has not given a reason for the shutdown or announced a replacement.

Background

GOtv Stream launched in Nigeria on 1 December 2023 as part of MultiChoice's effort to let subscribers watch TV away from their living rooms. The closure is the latest change since French media group Canal+ took control of MultiChoice in a deal valued at about $2 billion, which became unconditional in September 2025. MultiChoice announced in March 2026 that it would close its Showmax streaming service, citing heavy losses, and Showmax shut down in April, with subscribers directed to DStv Stream. The company has also recently dropped the Africa Magic Family channel after 12 years.

Ekiti politician Opeyemi Falegan has publicly apologised to Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday, years after their much-discussed break-up.

What happened

The apology came during a TikTok Live session on Saturday, 7 November 2026, in which the former couple spoke face to face online about their 2022 separation. Nkechi made it clear that she wanted a genuine apology, reminding Falegan that remarks he made about her during a social media live session years ago were still circulating and being used against her. She also said that despite their fallout, she had defended him in comment sections when people criticised him.

Falegan's response

Falegan apologised and said he had grown since their split, urging both of them to let the past go. He also spoke about what he described as emotional unavailability and temperament issues on both sides that made the relationship difficult.

Background

Nkechi Blessing is a popular actress and producer known for her outspoken personality on social media. Her relationship with Falegan was widely publicised before it ended in 2022 amid public exchanges online. The actress was also recently in the news after confronting comedian Carter Efe and his girlfriend.

How people reacted

Fans were divided, with some praising the two for making peace and others questioning why Nkechi chose to revisit the matter in public.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to account for money saved from the removal of the fuel subsidy and from government borrowing.

What Obi said

In a statement on his X account on Saturday, 7 November 2026, titled 'Good Day, Mr President: Nigerians Deserve Accountability', Obi said the large sums flowing into government coffers, including higher tax revenues, should be producing clear improvements in Nigerians' daily lives. He urged the President to visit the remaining 33 states he has not yet toured, spend time with the people and explain what his administration had done with the ₦15.8 trillion he said had been saved from subsidy removal, the more than $100 billion he said had been borrowed, and increased revenue from taxes.

The background to the exchange

Obi's statement came a day after Tinubu, speaking in Akwa Ibom, criticised the former Anambra governor's record on erosion in the state. At a reception in Uyo the same day, Tinubu said the naira would have become worthless without his reforms and that Nigeria would never go back to the subsidy. Vice-President Kashim Shettima also told an APC rally in Uyo that Obi had run himself out of the race.

The figures

Obi did not give a breakdown of how he arrived at the figures. The World Bank reported this week that Nigeria's total external debt, including private-sector debt, rose to about $145 billion in 2025. The government says its borrowing is needed to fund infrastructure and that its reforms have saved the economy from collapse.

What happens next

The Presidency had not publicly responded to Obi's statement at the time of writing. The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Ghanaian actor Van Vicker has dismissed viral images appearing to show him with Nollywood actress Regina Daniels, saying they were generated using artificial intelligence.

The photos

According to reports on Sunday, 8 November 2026, one of the images showed Van Vicker carrying a much younger Regina Daniels, while another placed him beside her during what looked like her recent birthday photoshoot. The pictures spread widely online and caused a stir among fans of both actors.

What he said

Van Vicker said neither image was real, and that he and Regina Daniels had not been in contact for well over a decade. He spoke out quickly to stop the rumours from spreading further.

Background

Van Vicker is one of the best-known Ghanaian actors in Nollywood and has starred in many Nigerian films since the mid-2000s. Regina Daniels, who began acting as a child, has been in the news recently, including a public clash with journalist Kemi Olunloyo, and new videos from the mansion of her husband, Senator Ned Nwoko, have also drawn attention online. The case is the latest example of AI-generated images of celebrities spreading on social media and being mistaken for real photos.

Petrol prices at major fuel depots in Lagos rose by as much as ₦60 per litre this week, while diesel prices fell, according to market data reported on Sunday, 8 November 2026.

The figures

Between Monday and Friday, the average petrol price across seven comparable depots in Lagos rose by about ₦41 per litre, while diesel fell by about ₦33. Some of the biggest increases were recorded at African Terminal, Integrated and A.A. Rano, which each raised their prices from ₦1,220 to ₦1,280 per litre. Aiteo raised its price by ₦56 to ₦1,277, Rain Oil by ₦55 to ₦1,280 and Nipco by ₦29 to ₦1,279, while MRS Tincan cut its price by ₦30 to ₦1,280. Similar movements were seen at depots in Warri and Port Harcourt.

Crude prices fell

The increases came even though international crude oil prices fell during the week, with Brent crude reportedly dropping by almost 5 per cent. Domestic supply conditions and marketers' costs also affect local prices.

Background

Depot prices are what marketers pay before selling to motorists, so changes usually feed through to filling-station prices within days. Petrol prices are now set by the market after the removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023, and have fluctuated with competition between the Dangote refinery, NNPC and importers. President Bola Tinubu said in Uyo this week that the government will never return to the subsidy. Cooking gas prices have also reportedly risen to about ₦1,900 per kilogram.

What it means

Motorists may see higher pump prices in the coming days, while businesses that rely on diesel could get some relief.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Afam Victor Ogene, has questioned what he sees as growing political hostility towards Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate and Labour Party candidate in 2023, particularly from prominent politicians in the South-East.

A tale of two regions

Ogene drew attention to what he described as a striking difference between the political atmosphere in the South-West and the South-East ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, governors and ministers from the South-West are not publicly attacking Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his perceived presidential ambition, even though he could challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In the South-East, however, he questioned why Minister of Works David Umahi and Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo keep directing criticism at Obi, even though neither of them is contesting the presidency against him.

"Southwest governors and ministers are not attacking Seyi Makinde for contesting against Tinubu, but Umahi and Soludo keep attacking Peter Obi even when none of them is contesting. That's political immaturity," Ogene said.

Rivalry or genuine criticism?

His remarks raise a wider question about the nature of political rivalry in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East, where disagreements among prominent figures often attract public attention.

Why should politicians who are not directly competing against Obi appear more concerned about his political future than those who may eventually face him at the ballot box?

For Ogene, the issue goes beyond ordinary disagreement. His criticism suggests some leaders may be letting personal rivalry and party differences overshadow mutual respect.

The comparison with the South-West is particularly interesting. Despite belonging to different parties and having different presidential interests, leaders in that region have often managed their disagreements while keeping working relationships.

Obi is not above scrutiny

Every politician has the right to criticise another, and Obi, as an active national figure, is equally open to public scrutiny. Umahi has recently questioned whether Obi is better than him or Pius Anyim, while Soludo has backed President Tinubu. Ogene's argument raises the question of whether such criticism is based on genuine policy differences or unnecessary rivalry.

Political disagreements are unavoidable in a democracy, but how leaders handle them says a great deal about their political maturity.

Over to you

Do you agree with Hon. Ogene that South-East leaders are unnecessarily attacking Peter Obi, or are Umahi and Soludo simply exercising their right to criticise a fellow politician?

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has responded to President Bola Tinubu over questions about his investment in education, insisting that the foundation of his educational institution was laid long before he became Vice-President.

Atiku's response

Atiku, who served as Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, said the suggestion that he established a university with resources acquired while in public office was misleading.

According to him, his journey into education began in 1993, when he established ABTI Academy, six years before he took office as Vice-President under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He made the clarification after remarks attributed to President Tinubu questioning how he was able to set up a university while serving in government.

Why the dates matter

Atiku maintained that his investment in education was part of his business activities before he entered the country's second-highest office. By the time he became Vice-President in May 1999, he says, he had already begun building what would eventually grow into a major private institution.

That institution later became the American University of Nigeria (AUN) in Yola, Adamawa State. The university itself was established in the mid-2000s, during his time as Vice-President, which is why questions about its funding and expansion continue to come up.

Atiku also insisted that his business activities and investments are open to public scrutiny, and that anyone genuinely interested in the source and history of his wealth can examine his record.

A growing rivalry

The exchange adds another chapter to the rivalry between President Tinubu and the former Vice-President, two prominent figures whose differences have shaped several national debates.

Beyond the personal disagreement, the controversy raises a question Nigerians have long asked of their leaders: how did those who held public office acquire their wealth, and can they give a clear account of their investments?

The fact that an educational project began before someone took office does not, on its own, settle every question about its funding or later expansion. Those questions would require documentary evidence and a proper look at the institution's financial history.

The road to 2027

As activities ahead of the 2027 general election gather pace, exchanges like this between leading political figures are likely to attract even more attention.

For now, Atiku has made his position clear: his educational investment began in 1993, well before he became Vice-President, and he is prepared to have his business record examined.

Over to you

Should Nigerian politicians be required to publicly explain how they funded their major investments, regardless of when those investments began?

Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has reportedly expressed regret over his decision to trust former President Muhammadu Buhari during the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential ticket in 2022.

The promise

According to the statement attributed to Amaechi, Buhari had promised him the party's presidential ticket, a promise he now regrets believing.

The claim raises fresh questions about the political arrangements and behind-the-scenes discussions that took place before the APC primary that eventually produced Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the party's candidate.

Buhari died in July 2025, so he is no longer able to respond to Amaechi's account.

How the 2022 race played out

Amaechi was among the prominent politicians who contested the ticket in 2022. Despite being a serving minister in Buhari's government and a close associate of the President, he lost the primary to Tinubu.

As the sitting President and leader of the ruling party at the time, Buhari's influence was considerable, although the final decision rested with the party's delegates.

Loyalty without reward

For Amaechi, the disappointment appears to go beyond losing an election. His comments suggest he believed he had received an assurance from someone whose word carried enormous political weight.

That points to one of the oldest lessons in Nigerian politics: loyalty does not always guarantee reward.

Amaechi served under Buhari for nearly seven years as Minister of Transportation, and he was one of the key figures who helped build the coalition that brought the APC to power in 2015. Yet when his chance came to seek the presidency, things did not turn out as he had apparently expected.

The questions that remain

Did Buhari actually make such a commitment, and if he did, what happened between that promise and the primary?

Was Amaechi politically outplayed, or did he place too much confidence in a promise that was never guaranteed?

Whatever the answer, his regret offers another glimpse into the complicated world of Nigerian party politics, where today's allies can have very different interests when power is at stake.

Over to you

Do you believe Buhari promised Amaechi the ticket, and was he right to trust him?

What was meant to be a moment of political mobilisation for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reportedly took an unexpected turn at the Item Okpi cultural festival in Aba, Abia State, when members of the crowd began chanting the name of Peter Obi.

"Obi! Obi! Obi!"

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, was addressing a large gathering at the cultural event when he turned to national politics and began appealing to the people to support President Tinubu.

The response from sections of the audience was not what he appeared to be hoping for. As Kalu spoke in support of the President, loud chants of "Obi! Obi! Obi!" reportedly rose from the crowd.

Even when the Deputy Speaker repeated the familiar declaration, "On your mandate we shall stand," the chants continued, creating an unusual scene in which the politician's message and the crowd's response seemed to be moving in opposite directions.

Why it matters

The moment has drawn attention because of Abia State's political significance and the continuing debate about the popularity of Nigeria's major political figures ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Peter Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and is now the NDC presidential candidate, continues to command a strong following in sections of the electorate, particularly in the South-East.

For Kalu, an influential APC politician from Abia State, the incident highlights the challenge of promoting the ruling party's candidate in a region where political loyalties remain divided.

A cultural festival turned political

Chants from a crowd at a cultural gathering are not a scientific measure of how a state or region will vote. But public reactions like this can still offer a glimpse into the political conversations happening among ordinary Nigerians.

What makes this incident stand out is the setting. The gathering was mainly a cultural celebration, yet it became a scene of competing political expressions once the Deputy Speaker raised the subject of presidential support.

Over to you

Were the chants simply a spontaneous reaction from enthusiastic Obi supporters, or a sign of wider political sentiment in the area? One thing is clear: Ben Kalu was talking about Tinubu, but some voices in the crowd wanted to talk about Obi.

Nigeria's under-17 women's team, the Flamingos, are world champions after beating Japan 2-1 in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

The match

Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, and Oluebube Umejiaku doubled the advantage two minutes after half-time, in the 47th minute. Japan pulled a goal back through Fuki Ito in the 80th minute, but the Flamingos held on to claim the trophy.

History made

The victory makes Nigeria the first African country to win the competition, and gives the country its first FIFA world title in women's football at any level. Before this tournament, the Flamingos' best finish was third place in 2022. They reached the final by beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final, a match in which Bashiru also scored twice, while Japan beat North Korea on penalties in their semi-final.

Background

Japan came into the final as one of the strongest teams in youth women's football, having won the tournament in 2014 and finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2016. CAF president Patrice Motsepe had travelled to Rabat to watch the final after praising the Flamingos for making Africa proud. Before the match, captain Harmony Chidi said the team was determined to bring the trophy home.

What happens next

The win comes as the senior Super Eagles prepare for their AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania next week.

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), ordered the return of billions of naira donated to a church project after learning that the money came from crime.

What he said

Speaking to RCCG workers early on Saturday, 7 November 2026, at a meeting held ahead of the church's annual Holy Ghost Congress, Olukoyede said Adeboye directed that the money be refunded within 24 hours of being told where it came from. He praised the pastor for acting quickly. According to reports, he did not name the donor, say which project the money was meant for, or give the exact amount.

Warning to churches

Olukoyede, who is himself an ordained pastor, said Adeboye had invited him to speak to the workers about financial accountability and keeping transparent records. He expressed concern about a growing number of cases involving church leaders in financial crimes and about allegations linked to contract awards for church projects.

Background

The RCCG is one of Nigeria's largest churches, and its Holy Ghost Congress draws huge crowds to the Redemption Camp on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway every December.

Women in Ishiagu community, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have reportedly taken an unusual step to show their anger over domestic violence, publicly parading a man accused of repeatedly beating his wife.

Pushed around in a wheelbarrow

According to reports circulating online, the women placed the man in a wheelbarrow and pushed him around the community, apparently determined to make an example of him over his alleged treatment of his wife.

Photos show a large group of women surrounding the man, who sits in the wheelbarrow in a yellow T-shirt as several women push and guide it along a dirt path, with one carrying a calabash.

"Enough is enough"

The incident has drawn attention because of the unusual punishment the women chose. They appeared to have reached a point where they could no longer tolerate the alleged abuse.

In many communities, domestic violence is still treated as a private family matter, and victims are sometimes encouraged to endure abuse for the sake of their marriage. The women of Ishiagu reportedly decided that enough was enough.

Justice or humiliation?

Their action raises an important question about how communities should respond when a woman is repeatedly subjected to violence in her own home.

Many people may applaud the women for standing up against domestic abuse. Others may question whether publicly humiliating an accused person, who has not been tried, is the right approach.

The full circumstances of the incident, including the man's side of the story and whether the authorities have stepped in, remain unclear.

Over to you

Do you support what the women of Ishiagu reportedly did, or should they have handed the man over to the police instead? Was this community justice, or public humiliation taken too far?

President Bola Tinubu has launched one of his sharpest attacks yet on Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

What he said

Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) rally in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Tinubu dismissed critics who point to economic hardship under his government, saying he was cleaning up the mess left by those who came before him and that Atiku was one of them. He also questioned how Atiku had built a university while he was vice-president, a remark widely seen as raising questions about how the former vice-president acquired his wealth while in public office.

Background

Atiku served as vice-president from 1999 to 2007 under Olusegun Obasanjo. He founded the American University of Nigeria in Yola, Adamawa State, and has long said his wealth comes from legitimate private business interests. He has repeatedly blamed Tinubu's policies, including the way fuel subsidy removal was handled, for rising prices. Tinubu's Rivers visit follows his trip to Akwa Ibom on Friday, where he said the naira would have become worthless without his reforms. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, whose Rainbow Coalition backs the President, is a key ally in Rivers, and Governor Siminalayi Fubara has also declared support for Tinubu.

Atiku replies

Later on Saturday, Atiku hit back in a statement issued by his campaign spokesman, Phrank Shaibu. He said his investment in education began long before he entered public office, when he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, which later grew into the American University of Nigeria. In the same statement he referred to a 1993 US court forfeiture involving funds in an account linked to Tinubu, a matter the President's supporters have long said was a civil case that did not involve any criminal conviction. Atiku also said Tinubu's policies had pushed millions of Nigerians into extreme poverty, and rejected the President's claim that the economy is being rescued.

What happens next

The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027, and campaigns by all the major parties are expected to intensify in the coming weeks.

Tension broke out at a rally of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Delta State on Saturday, 7 November 2026, after suspected thugs were reportedly filmed destroying vehicles belonging to party supporters.

What happened

Footage shared on social media appears to show a group of men vandalising vehicles at or near the rally venue. According to reports, some NDC supporters retaliated after the attack, raising tensions further. It is not clear who the attackers were, how many vehicles were damaged or whether anyone was hurt. The police had not publicly commented on the incident at the time of writing.

Police confirm one death

The Delta State Police Command later confirmed that one person died and five others were injured in a violent clash during the rally in Asaba, which was held in support of the NDC presidential candidate. Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said the violence happened on Nnebisi Road at about 12.15pm. The command said it had received intelligence before the event that violence was possible, briefed the organisers and advised them to hold the rally at an approved venue rather than on the road, but that the procession went ahead. The injured were taken to hospital and an investigation has begun. Police Commissioner Samuel Erale condemned the violence and urged all parties to avoid road processions and inform the police before political gatherings. The identities of the victims had not been released.

Background

The NDC is the party of presidential candidate Peter Obi and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso. Delta is governed by Sheriff Oborevwori, who joined the APC and has backed President Bola Tinubu's re-election. Political violence has already been reported on several sides ahead of the January 2027 elections: Obi's convoy was attacked in Calabar earlier this week, stones were thrown at a stage during a governor's campaign rally in Nasarawa, and APC supporters were attacked and a campaign vehicle burnt ahead of a rally in Katsina State last week. INEC has also warned of a plot to threaten and kidnap election workers.

How people reacted

Many social media users condemned the violence and expressed concern for the safety of supporters at political events, while some warned that the same thugs could be used to disrupt the elections.

Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, has issued a strong warning to Nigeria's political leaders over insecurity in the country.

What he said

In a video shared on Saturday, 7 November 2026, the cleric questioned whether kidnapping and shooting people in churches could ever be considered anything but evil. He warned politicians that the evil they fail to stop will eventually stop them, urging those in authority to take responsibility for the country's security problems. He also said any plan to Islamise Nigeria should be abandoned immediately.

Background

Oyedepo is one of Nigeria's most influential church leaders. His comments came a day after he led the dedication of Pastor David Ibiyeomie's 120,000-seat Hand of God Cathedral in Port Harcourt. Nigeria has faced persistent insecurity, with attacks by armed groups and kidnappings in many parts of the North and Middle Belt, including recent attacks on communities in Kaduna, Niger and Plateau states. Allegations of an agenda to Islamise Nigeria are regularly raised by some Christian leaders and rejected by the government, which says the violence affects people of all faiths.

How people reacted

Many of his followers praised the bishop for speaking out, with some saying he was one of the few senior pastors willing to criticise political leaders openly. The government had not responded to his comments at the time of writing.

Socialite Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, says leaving Nigeria was one of the best decisions of their life.

What Bobrisky said

In an Instagram post on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Bobrisky described Nigeria as a toxic environment where a new drama, piece of gossip or fight springs up every day. The socialite said life since relocating had been peaceful and that they would not give up that peace.

Background

Bobrisky left Nigeria in November 2024 after a public row with the federal government over claims about the conditions under which a six-month jail sentence for abusing the naira had been served. The sentence was handed down in April 2024 after Bobrisky pleaded guilty to spraying and mutilating naira notes. Allegations that the socialite had served part of the sentence outside prison led to a government investigation and a dispute with activist VeryDarkMan, who first raised the claims. Bobrisky was stopped at the Seme border while trying to leave the country in October 2024 before eventually relocating.

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his Rainbow Coalition campaign have got people talking again, this time after he appeared visibly angry at the presidential campaign ground in Rivers State.

Counting heads

Wike was reportedly seen checking how many people each of his aides had brought to the venue. Photos show the minister, in his black and red hat and a rainbow "Coalition" sash bearing the APC logo, deep in conversation with aides and looking far from amused.

One can only feel sorry for any aide who collected mobilisation money and failed to deliver the expected crowd.

The turnout question

The expectation may have been a stadium filled to capacity, but the turnout has now become a talking point on social media.

That brings us to Peter Obi, whose supporters often describe his campaign crowds as organic, with people attending out of personal conviction rather than financial inducement.

Can anyone fill a stadium for free?

Crowd mobilisation, from buses to refreshments to small payments, has long been a feature of Nigerian political rallies across parties. Large crowds make for impressive pictures, but they do not always reflect how people will vote.

So one question remains: can any Nigerian politician genuinely fill a stadium without spending money on crowd mobilisation?

Nigerian politics will never stop surprising us.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara a strong personal assurance, telling him he will not regret the decision he has taken.

What Tinubu said

"Fubara, you will not regret what you have done as long as all of us are alive," the President said during his presidential campaign rally in the state.

Photos from the rally show Fubara smiling beside FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, both wearing red caps bearing Tinubu's image, a striking picture given the long-running feud between the two men.

Why the words matter

The statement is attracting attention because of the political tension that has surrounded Rivers State and the long-running power struggle between Governor Fubara and his political opponents.

For anyone who has followed Rivers politics closely, those words carry real weight. Fubara has faced some of the toughest political battles of his administration, with fights over political loyalty, control of the state legislature and the influence of powerful figures shaping events in the state.

A sacrifice, a deal, or a new understanding?

With the President offering such a personal assurance, questions are being raised. The President did not spell out exactly what decision he was referring to, or what he intends to do for the governor in return.

Was Tinubu acknowledging a major political sacrifice by Fubara? Was he reassuring him over a difficult decision? Or could this signal a new understanding within the political leadership of Rivers State ahead of 2027?

Over to you

What do you think Fubara has done, and what do you think the President has in store for him?

DNA samples have been collected from the remains of the late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, and from his young son, Liam, as the long-running dispute over the child's paternity moves towards a resolution.

What happened

According to reports on Saturday, 7 November 2026, the exercise took place on Saturday, 31 October, under the supervision of a Lagos court. The court had approved an application by Mohbad's widow, Omowunmi (Wunmi) Aloba, for a DNA test to establish Liam's paternity, and appointed a welfare officer to oversee the process. Samples were first taken from the singer's remains at the Mainland General Hospital in Yaba, then escorted under tight security to the Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, where Liam's samples were also collected.

Who was present

The exercise was reportedly carried out with heavy security because of concerns about possible crowds. Mohbad's mother, his younger brother and his widow were present. The results have not been made public.

Background

Mohbad died in Lagos in September 2023 at the age of 27. His death led to protests, a police investigation and a coroner's inquest. Since then, his father, Joseph Aloba, has repeatedly called for a DNA test on Liam, which led to a bitter public dispute with Wunmi and divided the singer's fans. The singer's death has also been at the centre of this week's public feud between VeryDarkMan and Davido.

What happens next

The results are expected once the forensic analysis is complete.

US forces struck an Iranian air defence site on Friday, 6 November 2026, the second round of American strikes on Iran in a week.

What happened

President Donald Trump told reporters the operation was minor, saying Iran had built an anti-aircraft device and US forces destroyed it in a matter of minutes. He insisted the United States was not at war with Iran, pointing to the absence of recent US casualties. Iranian state media reported two explosions in the Suza area of Qeshm Island, close to the Strait of Hormuz, a major route for the world's oil shipments. Earlier in the week, on Monday, US forces carried out strikes that Washington described as defensive, with explosions reported on the islands of Qeshm and Hengam and near the naval hub of Bandar Abbas.

Reward offer

Hours before Friday's strike, the US State Department offered up to $20 million and possible relocation for information about Iran's nuclear programme, including its scientists, technology and the organisations involved.

Talks

Trump said Washington remained in contact with Tehran. Regional officials said Iran was considering new proposals brokered by Qatar to ease tensions, but that it would not negotiate over its nuclear programme until the US met several conditions, including lifting sanctions and ending a blockade of Iranian ports.

Why it matters

Trump acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to his party's losses in this week's midterm elections, partly because it pushed up petrol prices. Tensions in the Gulf can also affect global oil prices, which matter for Nigeria's revenue and fuel costs.

Paraguay's President Santiago Peña has been removed from office by the Senate and placed under house arrest over the collapse of Ueno Bank.

What happened

On Friday, 6 November 2026, all 44 senators present, including members of Peña's own Colorado Party, voted to remove him; one senator was absent. He was arrested minutes after the vote, and Vice-President Pedro Alliana was sworn in as interim president, expected to serve until 2028. Peña had offered to resign on Thursday, but senators went ahead with the impeachment, which strips him of the immunity normally enjoyed by former presidents. Senate President Basilio Núñez said Peña had been found guilty of dereliction of duty.

The allegations

The impeachment charges included conflicts of interest, manipulation of regulatory oversight, diversion of pension funds and involvement in a cover-up involving the central bank. Peña, who until last year held shares in the company that owned Ueno Bank, has denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors said he was due to be questioned.

Background

The collapse of Ueno Bank left large numbers of Paraguayans unable to access their savings and pensions, triggering a political crisis. Peña, an economist and former finance minister, took office in August 2023. Earlier this week, he apologised to Paraguayans in a video message.

What happens next

Investigators are expected to continue their inquiries into the bank's collapse, while depositors wait to learn whether they will recover their money.

The Lagos State Police Command has detained an officer after a shooting in Ajegunle left a two-year-old girl dead and another girl injured.

What happened

The shooting happened between 9.30pm and 10pm on Thursday, 5 November 2026, in the Nosamu area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area. In a statement on Saturday, police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi said the officer, an assistant superintendent attached to Ajeromi Police Station, had been disarmed and detained, and that the State Criminal Investigation Department had taken over the case.

Police account

According to the police, preliminary findings showed that the officer and his team were responding to a distress call about a violent clash between two groups said to be fighting over toll collection and armed with cutlasses and other weapons. The officer discharged his firearm during the operation, and the bullet struck both girls. Police said the injured girl was receiving treatment and was in a stable condition. Initial reports suggested the officer may have been drunk, but the police statement did not confirm this.

Family's grief

The mother of the girl who died has publicly mourned her daughter in a video shared online.

Background

Killings of civilians by police officers, often involving the misuse of firearms, have long caused public anger in Nigeria and were among the issues behind the 2020 #EndSARS protests. This week, the Police Service Commission dismissed three senior officers and demoted 16 others over misconduct.

What happens next

The police said the investigation would determine further action against the officer.

President Bola Tinubu has defended his removal of the fuel subsidy, saying the naira would have become worthless if his government had kept it.

What he said

Speaking at a state reception in his honour in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, 6 November 2026, after an APC rally at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Tinubu said 27 of the 36 state governors could not pay salaries when he took office, let alone pensions and gratuities. He argued that his reforms had moved the country away from the risk of bankruptcy, and said that without them Nigerians would by now need wheelbarrows to carry their money. He put the exchange rate at about ₦1,300 to the US dollar and said Nigeria would never go back to the subsidy.

The visit

The reception followed a day in which the President inaugurated several projects in Akwa Ibom, including a new terminal at Victor Attah International Airport, and approved a request by Governor Umo Eno for the Ibom Deep Seaport. Vice-President Kashim Shettima used the same visit to criticise NDC candidate Peter Obi.

Background

Tinubu announced the end of the petrol subsidy in his inauguration speech in May 2023, and his government also unified the exchange rate. The reforms led to sharp rises in fuel and food prices. Opposition candidates, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, have criticised the way the reforms were carried out, while the government says they were needed to save the economy and has introduced relief measures such as the ₦50,000 monthly grant to selected households.

Why it matters

The cost of living is expected to be one of the main issues in the January 2027 election.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has spoken about how he survived imprisonment under the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.

What he said

Speaking in Yoruba at a book event at the University of Ibadan, in a video shared on Saturday, 7 November 2026, Obasanjo said Abacha had decided to kill him along with the late General Shehu Musa Yar'Adua and Chief MKO Abiola, the acknowledged winner of the annulled 12 June 1993 presidential election. He said Abacha had confided the plan to the late Ibadan philanthropist Chief Alao Arisekola.

Foreign intervention

Obasanjo said former US President Jimmy Carter travelled to Nigeria and spoke to Abacha on his behalf, while former British prime minister James Callaghan went further, warning Abacha that he would face death himself if he went ahead. Obasanjo also said prayer played a central role in his survival, describing himself as a committed prayer warrior in detention.

Background

Obasanjo, a former military head of state, was jailed in 1995 over an alleged coup plot, which he always denied. Yar'Adua died in detention in 1997, and Abiola died in custody in July 1998, a month after Abacha's own death. Obasanjo was released after Abacha died and was elected president in 1999, serving two terms. At the same event, he also warned against sending children into armed conflict, drawing on his experience in the civil war.

Rotimi Amaechi, the vice-presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for 2027, says former President Muhammadu Buhari promised to back him as his preferred candidate at the 2022 All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary.

What he said

Speaking in a radio interview in Lagos on Friday, 6 November 2026, Amaechi said Buhari had given him the assurance in writing. Because of it, he said, he held back from campaigning, lobbying delegates or making political deals before the primary, which he now considers his biggest mistake. He said his refusal to promise positions such as the vice-presidency and the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation to governors cost him support.

Claims about religion

Amaechi also accused President Bola Tinubu's camp of appealing to religious identity to win Northern delegates, alleging that a delegation of Muslim politicians from the South-West urged governors in the North-West to back Tinubu on religious grounds. He said he would never use religion to win an election. Tinubu's camp had not responded to the claims at the time of writing.

Background

Tinubu won the June 2022 APC primary at Eagle Square in Abuja with 1,271 votes to Amaechi's 316, and went on to win the 2023 presidential election. Amaechi, a former Rivers governor, directed Buhari's successful 2015 campaign and served as his Minister of Transportation. Buhari, who died in 2025, did not publicly endorse any aspirant at the primary. Amaechi is now Atiku Abubakar's running mate, though a recent court judgment voided Atiku's nomination, a ruling the ADC has appealed.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is set to undergo knee surgery, ruling him out of Nigeria's upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania.

What happened

Galatasaray announced on Friday, 6 November 2026, that the 27-year-old needs arthroscopic surgery after medical checks found a loose body in his left knee. The problem was discovered after he played the full 90 minutes of the Turkish club's 2-0 Champions League win over VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday. The club said its doctor, Yener İnce, would carry out the operation at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul on Saturday, 7 November.

How long he could be out

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small cuts and a camera to treat problems inside a joint. According to reports, Osimhen is expected to be out for two to four weeks, which could mean a return in early to mid-December if there are no setbacks. Galatasaray have not given an official timeline and say they will assess his recovery in stages.

Blow for the Super Eagles

The injury is a major blow for Nigeria, who face Tanzania twice in AFCON qualifying, including the match in Uyo on 13 November. Osimhen is the Super Eagles' main striker and one of Africa's most prolific forwards and was African Player of the Year in 2023. He was recently left off the shortlist for this year's CAF Player of the Year award.

Squad named

On Saturday, Galatasaray said the operation had been successful and that Osimhen would be out for at least three weeks. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle then named a 24-man squad for the two Tanzania matches without Osimhen. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also left out by the coach's choice, with Stanley Nwabali, Arthur Okonkwo and the recalled Francis Uzoho named in goal. Midfielder Frank Onyeka was dropped, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Tochukwu Nnadi and Yusuf Alhassan return. Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey are among those included.

Background

Osimhen joined Galatasaray from Napoli and has been in strong form, with reports this week suggesting that a top Italian club is interested in signing him. His absence means the Super Eagles coaching staff will have to rely on other forwards for the Tanzania double-header.

A video from the dedication of Pastor David Ibiyeomie's 120,000-seat Hand of God Cathedral in Port Harcourt has sparked debate online, after a member of Pastor Jerry Eze's security team was seen reacting roughly to a worshipper.

What the video shows

The footage, shared on Facebook on Friday, 6 November 2026, shows the founder of Streams of Joy International arriving at the event. A man dropped to his knees as a sign of respect as the cleric walked past, and Pastor Eze briefly acknowledged him. However, one of his protocol officers then reportedly acted towards the man in a way many viewers felt was unnecessarily aggressive and disrespectful.

Background

The dedication of the Hand of God Cathedral, led by Bishop David Oyedepo, drew many of Nigeria's best-known pastors. Another widely shared video from the same event showed Jerry Eze kneeling to greet Oyedepo, Ibiyeomie and other senior ministers. Eze is known for his popular online prayer programme, 'New Season Prophetic Prayers and Declarations', which draws large audiences on YouTube and social media.

How people reacted

Many Nigerians criticised the protocol officer's behaviour, saying it was out of place at a celebratory religious event and that church leaders' security teams should treat members of the public with respect. Pastor Eze had not publicly commented at the time of writing.

Nigeria's under-17 women's team, the Flamingos, will face Japan in the final of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

The match

The final is at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with kick-off set for 7.30pm Nigerian time. It will be the first time the two countries have met at this tournament. Flamingos captain Harmony Chidi said the players are determined to bring Nigeria its first world title at this level and make the country proud.

Road to the final

The Flamingos became the first African team ever to reach the final of the competition after beating Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday. After a goalless first half, Queen Joseph opened the scoring in the 56th minute, and Awawu Bashiru scored twice, in the 71st and 80th minutes, before Brazil pulled one back late on. Nigeria's previous best was third place in 2022, when they beat Germany in the bronze medal match. Ghana also finished third in 2012.

Japan's record

Japan are one of the strongest teams in youth women's football. They won the tournament in 2014, beating Spain in the final, and were runners-up in 2010 and 2016. At under-20 level, Japan beat Nigeria 2-1 in the bronze medal match of the 2012 U-20 Women's World Cup and won 6-0 when the two met in the group stage in 2016.

Praise from CAF and FIFA

CAF president Patrice Motsepe congratulated the Flamingos, saying they had made Africa proud, and confirmed he would travel to Rabat to watch the final in person. FIFA also congratulated the team on the historic achievement.

What's at stake

Victory would give Nigeria its first FIFA world title in women's football at any level and make the Flamingos the first African side to win the competition.

A youth group from Nigeria's Middle Belt has declared support for President Bola Tinubu's 2027 re-election bid, after backing Peter Obi in 2023.

What was announced

Aviation businessman Isaac Balami, who convenes the National Rebirth Movement and is also a national director in the pro-Tinubu City Boy Movement, said in remarks reported on Saturday, 7 November 2026, that the initiative was inspired by a recent meeting between the President and a delegation of Middle Belt elders led by former defence minister General Theophilus Danjuma. He said the youths had listened to their elders and decided to take responsibility for the region's political future. Balami said he had earlier led the group to meet the President's son, Seyi Tinubu, where they pledged 10 million votes from the Middle Belt.

A change of side

In 2023, Balami and the same group had reportedly been asked by some of the same elders to mobilise support for Obi, then the Labour Party candidate, who performed strongly in Plateau and Nasarawa states and drew large youth support across the North Central zone. Balami said a sense of abandonment after that election led to the change. The group says it will work with the City Boy Movement and the APC campaign council.

Background

Obi is now the candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), with Rabiu Kwankwaso as his running mate. Both the APC and the opposition parties are campaigning hard in the North Central, which is seen as a key battleground. The presidential election is scheduled for 16 January 2027.

Reactions

Obi's campaign had not publicly responded at the time of writing. The 10 million figure is a pledge and cannot be independently verified.

Germany says it will expand visa processing in Nigeria to make it easier for Nigerians to travel to the country.

What was announced

Speaking at the German National Day reception in Lagos, reported on Friday, 6 November 2026, Consul General Daniel Krull said the consulate would add more visa counters before the end of the year and work with external service providers to increase the number of appointment slots. He said Germany was also moving more applications to a dedicated processing centre in Germany to reduce delays.

Help for students

Krull said a document verification centre would be set up in Lagos to check the documents of Nigerians applying to German universities and research institutions. He noted that German public universities generally charge little or no tuition fees, making them an affordable option for international students.

A priority partner

Krull described Nigeria as Germany's most important trading partner in West Africa and a priority partner in the region, pointing to recent visits by German officials and business delegations.

Background

Long waits for visa appointments have been a major complaint among Nigerians applying to European countries, and Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for Nigerian students and skilled workers, partly because of low tuition fees and labour shortages in sectors such as health care. The announcement contrasts with some other countries that have recently tightened rules for Nigerian travellers.

What happens next

No dates were given for when the new centre will open.

The US Secret Service has arrested a man near the White House after he allegedly told agents that voices in his head had instructed him to travel to Washington and kill President Donald Trump.

What happened

According to US officials, agents spotted the man behaving suspiciously in a car parked beside the White House on Thursday, 5 November 2026. During questioning, he allegedly said voices had directed him to come to the capital and assassinate the President. Agents found that the car had been reported stolen, and a search turned up a rifle, two handguns and dozens of rounds of ammunition.

The suspect

The Department of Homeland Security said the man is a Venezuelan national who entered the United States illegally in 2024. He has been charged with several firearms offences, as well as unauthorised use of a vehicle and receiving stolen property, and is being held by the US Marshals Service. He has not yet been tried.

Secret Service comments

Secret Service Director Sean Curran said the arrest showed the kind of security environment his agents deal with every day. Officials said the White House has seen a significant rise in incidents linked to mental health problems, as the presidency often becomes a focus for people experiencing such conditions.

Background

Trump survived two assassination attempts during the 2024 election campaign. The arrest came in the same week that the President's party suffered heavy losses in the midterm elections and he named Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff.

Nollywood actor Kunle Afod has called for better emergency services on Nigeria's highways after witnessing a serious accident on the Ibadan–Sagamu Expressway.

What he said

In a video shared on social media on Saturday, 7 November 2026, the actor said he and others saw a terrible crash on the busy road, and that for about 20 minutes no ambulance or emergency responders came to help the victims. He described the situation as very sad and urged the relevant authorities to take urgent action so that accident victims receive timely medical help. He did not give details of how many people were involved or their condition.

Background

The Lagos–Ibadan and Ibadan–Sagamu corridors are among the busiest roads in the country, and crashes are common. The Federal Road Safety Corps and state emergency agencies run ambulance services on some highways, but road users often complain that help arrives late, especially outside major cities. Afod has also been in the news this week after speaking publicly for the first time about his separation from his wife, Desola.

Group disputes his account

On Saturday, a group called Ogun Crime Watch asked the police to question the actor over the video, which it described as misleading. The group said the crash, involving an 18-seater bus that reportedly burst a tyre and hit a concrete barrier near Saapade, happened on Friday, and that Ogun State emergency responders arrived at 12.28pm, one minute before Afod reportedly posted his video. It said 13 passengers were injured and taken to hospital, and accused the video of trying to make the state government look bad. Afod had not responded to the group's claims at the time of writing.

Ogun government responds

The Ogun State Government also rejected the actor's account. In a statement on Saturday, the governor's special adviser on media, Kayode Akinmade, said a passer-by reported the crash at the Federal Road Safety Corps point in Ogere at 12.18pm, and that a state ambulance and FRSC officials reached the scene at 12.28pm, within 10 minutes. It said the state runs six ambulance points along the expressway, that its emergency call centre received no distress call about the crash, and that victims were taken to a hospital in Ogere, with the more seriously injured moved to Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu. The statement accused the actor of framing the incident to damage the government.

How people reacted

Many social media users agreed with the actor, saying faster emergency response could save lives, while others criticised the government for spending heavily on election campaigns while basic emergency services remain poor.

Kenyan preacher Paul Nthenge Mackenzie has reportedly been sentenced to 200 years in prison over the deaths of 191 members of his Good News International Church, including 190 children, in one of the most disturbing religious tragedies in Kenya's history.

The sentence

The Mombasa High Court handed down the sentence on Friday, 6 November 2026, following its ruling on 19 October in which Mackenzie and 28 other defendants were found guilty. The prosecution had earlier asked the court to impose the death penalty.

What happened in Shakahola

According to the prosecution, between 2021 and 2023 Mackenzie gathered his followers on a 325-hectare property in the Shakahola Forest, near the coastal town of Malindi in south-eastern Kenya.

There, he convinced them that starving themselves to death would allow them to meet Jesus.

Imagine the level of trust these families must have placed in their religious leader. Parents, children and entire households were drawn into a belief system that eventually turned deadly.

During the trial, the defence argued that the children had taken part in the fasting voluntarily. The judge rejected that argument.

How the tragedy came to light

The case first drew international attention in April 2023, when authorities discovered the first bodies buried in the forest.

What first looked like an isolated discovery soon turned into something far more horrifying. As investigators kept searching, more graves were uncovered. Eventually, more than 400 bodies were exhumed, revealing the enormous scale of the disaster.

More than 200 witnesses testified during the proceedings. Mackenzie had been in custody since 14 April 2023, when he surrendered to authorities after the first victims were found.

The children who died

Kenya, a country where religion plays an important part in everyday life, was deeply shaken by the discoveries.

For many, the most painful part of the story is the number of children who died. These were young lives that depended on adults for protection, yet they became victims of circumstances they could neither understand nor control.

A warning about blind obedience

The case is a troubling reminder of what can happen when people give up their ability to question religious authority, and it raises serious questions about religious manipulation and the protection of vulnerable people.

Faith is deeply personal, and millions find comfort, hope and direction in religion. But when a religious leader begins demanding actions that threaten human life, the consequences can be devastating.

Over to you

How could such a tragedy continue for so long before authorities uncovered what was happening in the forest? And how far should people go in obeying religious leaders when their teachings put lives in danger?

A woman from Ukehe in Enugu State has received financial assistance from the wife of the state governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah, who sent a representative to visit her with promises that could significantly improve her living conditions.

Cash, a house and a business

During the visit, the representative handed the woman an envelope containing cash on behalf of the governor's wife. But the help did not end there.

Mrs Mbah also promised to build a house for the woman and to help her set up a business that would give her a steady income, so she can take care of herself without depending on others to survive.

Photos from the visit show women celebrating with raised hands outside a building in Ukehe, and an envelope being handed over as a crowd gathers around.

Support that lasts

For someone facing difficult living conditions, a decent roof and a business that can put food on the table could make a lasting difference.

What makes the gesture stand out is the promise of long-term support. Money solves an immediate problem, but helping someone build a business can give them a livelihood for years to come.

Remembering the vulnerable

The visit has also drawn attention to the importance of identifying vulnerable people in our communities and offering help that goes beyond temporary relief.

Many Nigerians are struggling quietly, especially elderly women, widows and people without a reliable income. Sometimes what they need most is a chance to become financially independent.

For the Ukehe woman, the hope now is that the promises are fulfilled and that she soon has a comfortable home and a business of her own.

Over to you

Should more government officials focus on helping vulnerable people set up businesses, rather than giving them cash alone?

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a request linked to the long-awaited Ibom Deep Seaport, announcing the decision while addressing supporters at his presidential campaign rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

"I look, and I approve it"

Speaking from the podium, flanked by party leaders and security officials, Tinubu told the crowd that the state's leadership had brought a request to him.

"Now your leader makes a request, for international export status. I look, and I approve it," he said, to cheers from supporters.

The Ibom Deep Seaport has been one of Akwa Ibom's biggest ambitions for years, with successive state governments pushing for it as a way to open the state to international trade and create jobs.

Promises of jobs and skills

Tinubu also used the occasion to make several promises about the state's economic future.

"I promise you skill development. I promise you jobs," he said. "We are going to plant a lot of economic trees."

He pointed to the palm tree, a major part of the region's economy, as an opportunity. "There is no reason why we cannot use the value of palm trees and the palm here," he said, adding that there was no reason the country could not create skills development that is "everlasting".

"Development must be even"

The President said growth must reach every part of the country. "Development must be even, inclusive and reasonable. It must bring progress and create economic value," he said.

What it means

If the approval leads to real progress on the seaport, it could be a major boost for Akwa Ibom's economy, bringing shipping, logistics and related businesses to the state.

But campaign promises are easy to make at rallies. Nigerians will be watching to see whether the approval is followed by funding, construction and the jobs that have been promised.

Over to you

Is Tinubu's approval of the Ibom Deep Seaport request a genuine step forward for Akwa Ibom, or just another campaign promise ahead of 2027?

It was an emotional scene at the Trade Fair International Market in Lagos as former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, the NDC presidential candidate and Labour Party candidate in the 2023 election, arrived to pay his last respects to the late Chief Sir Okey Ezibe, popularly known as Omeluora.

Chief Ezibe, widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of the famous Balogun Market in Lagos, was honoured by traders, associates, friends and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate his life and his contribution to commerce.

"My leader! My leader!"

Something remarkable happened when Obi arrived. The atmosphere suddenly changed. Traders stepped away from their businesses, and a large crowd gathered around him, cheering and calling out, "My leader! My leader!"

Many raised their phones to capture the moment, while members of his team, wearing T-shirts printed with "Rest in Peace Omeluora", waved to the crowd from his car.

For those watching, the reception was another reminder of the strong support Obi continues to enjoy among sections of the trading community, particularly in Lagos. He had come for a solemn occasion, yet his presence drew the kind of attention usually seen at major political gatherings.

Who was Chief Okey Ezibe (Omeluora)?

To many traders, the late Chief Sir Okey Ezibe was more than a successful businessman. He was a respected figure whose contributions helped shape the business community around Balogun Market, one of Nigeria's busiest commercial centres.

For years, Balogun Market has provided opportunities for thousands of traders, importers, wholesalers and small business owners. People like Omeluora are remembered for building business networks, encouraging younger entrepreneurs and strengthening the trading community. His passing marks the loss of a respected figure in that community.

Obi's reception gets people talking

Despite the disagreements and controversies that surround Nigerian politics, Obi still draws enthusiastic crowds in parts of the country, and the scenes at Trade Fair appeared to reflect that connection.

Some will see the reception as a sign of his political popularity ahead of the 2027 general election. Others may simply see it as a warm welcome for a familiar public figure attending the funeral of a respected businessman.

Whatever the interpretation, the excitement around his arrival became one of the memorable moments of the day.

Remembering Omeluora

Beyond the cheers and the political talk, the gathering was ultimately about remembering Chief Okey Ezibe and the legacy he left behind.

A man can build wealth, businesses and influence in his lifetime, but what people say about him after his death often tells another story. For Omeluora, the respect shown by the trading community speaks to the place he held in their lives.

Rest in peace, Omeluora. A great iroko has fallen. His name will continue to be remembered among those who helped commerce grow in Lagos.

Over to you

Is the reception Peter Obi received at Lagos Trade Fair another sign of his political strength ahead of 2027, or was it simply a show of respect from traders? Share your thoughts.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned of an alleged plot to threaten, intimidate and abduct temporary election workers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

What INEC said

Speaking in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Friday, 6 November 2026, during a North Central zonal readiness assessment, INEC chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said intelligence-led operations carried out with the Department of State Services (DSS) had led to the arrest of key suspects, who have since been charged in court. He warned that anyone who interferes with or harms election workers will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. He did not give details of the suspects or the charges.

Warning to staff

Amupitan also warned electoral officers against negligence and political bias, saying neutrality at local level would directly affect public trust in the elections. He said credible elections cannot be achieved through last-minute arrangements, and that INEC is working with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security to tackle threats early.

Background

INEC expects to manage more than 103 million registered voters across 176,846 polling units in 2027. The commission relies on hundreds of thousands of ad hoc staff, many of them members of the National Youth Service Corps, to run polling units, and attacks on election workers and offices have been a concern in past elections. This week INEC has also faced questions about about 1.5 million questionable entries found in the voter register, and disowned a fake poster about the ADC's leadership.

What happens next

The presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a swipe at former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, comparing their records on tackling environmental challenges.

What Tinubu said

Speaking in Akwa Ibom State, Tinubu accused Obi of failing to confront the serious erosion problems affecting Anambra State during his time as governor, and pointed out that Obi is now running for president under the NDC.

"Peter Obi is in one party they call NDC where he's running for president. He ran away from erosion in Anambra. He couldn't confront erosion. I, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confronted the Atlantic Ocean. I tamed it for you," Tinubu said.

The President appeared to be referring to efforts to reclaim and protect land along the Lagos coastline, particularly the Eko Atlantic project, which began during his time as Lagos State governor.

Can the two really be compared?

Anambra has struggled with severe gully erosion for decades, with communities losing farmland, roads and homes. Tackling it requires substantial funding, engineering work and cooperation between different levels of government.

The Eko Atlantic project, on the other hand, involved major private investment and extensive coastal engineering to reclaim land from the Atlantic Ocean.

Both involve serious environmental challenges, but their circumstances, funding arrangements and engineering requirements are quite different.

The road to 2027

As the 2027 presidential election draws closer, exchanges like this are likely to become more common, with leaders publicly questioning one another's records in office.

Nigerians may also want to look closely at the actual results of these projects and the roles played by the leaders involved.

Over to you

Does Tinubu's role in the Eko Atlantic project give him the right to question Peter Obi's record on erosion in Anambra State, or should Nigerians judge both men by their overall performance in public office?

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sent a pointed message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, insisting he remains determined to contest the 2027 presidential election despite the legal and political battles surrounding the race.

In a statement attributed to him, Atiku reportedly declared that he is on the ballot and that the courts cannot be used to escape the verdict of Nigerians.

A direct challenge

The message is a direct challenge to Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as political activity builds ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also raises a familiar question about the role of the judiciary in Nigeria's elections. Court judgments, disputes over party nominations and allegations of irregularities have shaped the country's politics for years.

What is at stake

For President Tinubu, the next election will come amid continuing public debate over the cost of living, economic reforms and insecurity. Opposition politicians hope to turn those concerns into votes, while the government points to its reforms as long-term fixes.

For Atiku, getting onto the ballot will depend on party nomination processes, electoral requirements and the outcome of any legal decisions.

One thing is clear: the battle for 2027 is already taking shape, and more political confrontations are likely as the election draws closer.

Over to you

If Atiku faces Tinubu again in 2027, do you think Nigerians will vote differently from how they voted in 2023? Or will the opposition need a completely different arrangement to win?

When you look at the massive Hand of God Auditorium built by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, it is hard not to imagine something different.

What if a structure of that size, with all the money, planning, engineering and resources that went into it, were a massive factory producing goods for Nigerians and the international market?

Imagine the jobs

Just imagine the number of young Nigerians who could be employed there: engineers, technicians, machine operators, electricians, cleaners, security staff, accountants, drivers and thousands of other workers earning salaries and caring for their families.

Think about the businesses that would spring up around it. Food vendors, transport operators, suppliers and small business owners would all benefit from the economic activity.

And imagine if that factory produced the things Nigeria currently spends billions importing. It could strengthen the economy, encourage local production and create opportunities for future generations.

This is not an attack on the church

This is not an argument against Christianity, churches or places of worship. Everyone has the right to practise their religion, and religious organisations also provide jobs and contribute to society.

But Nigerians must begin to ask serious questions about our priorities as a nation.

A nation searching for jobs

Millions of young Nigerians are searching for work. Many graduates have certificates but nowhere to work. Some have spent years learning skills, yet there are few industries where they can put those skills to use.

Meanwhile, the country keeps celebrating enormous buildings without giving the same attention to factories, industries and other investments that could provide lasting employment.

Imagine if wealthy Nigerians, including religious leaders, invested more heavily in manufacturing alongside their religious projects. Imagine the difference it could make.

Prayer and production

A nation cannot pray its way into industrial development without also investing in production, skills, infrastructure and jobs.

Nigeria needs churches, yes. But it also desperately needs factories where young people can work, earn a decent living and build their future.

Over to you

If you had the money to build an auditorium as big as Pastor Ibiyeomie's Hand of God, would you build a church, or a factory that could employ thousands of Nigerians?